
Since the passage of the Refugee Act in 1980, which incorporated this definition of refugee into the INA, the United States has admitted more than 3.1 million refugees.
Do I need a passport to travel to the Bahamas?
When crossing international borders by plane, a passport is always required and the Bahamas are no exception. All US citizens must provide a valid US passport to enter or re-enter the states. It should be noted that many airlines do not allow US citizens to fly to the Bahamas without a valid passport.
How long does it take to travel to the Bahamas?
It takes 10 minutes one way and along the way the view of the harbor is wonderful. This is the national airline of Bahamas and mostly availed by frequent travelers and tourists who like to save on time in lieu of extra cost. Bahamas Air connects Nassau's Lynden Pindling Airport to various airports in the out islands.
What are the citizenship requirements for the Bahamas?
All applicants must submit:
- Birth certificate.
- Two passport-sized color photos.
- All existing Bahamas visas and permits, if applicable.
- Biodata page of a passport, valid for six months.
- Police certificate of good behavior for applicants 14 years of age and older from the six months leading up to application.
- BS$10.00 postage stamp.
- BS$100.00 processing fee.
Can you use visa or MasterCard in the Bahamas?
We haven't really found very many places that don't accept credit cards in the Bahamas. If it's a small food stand, a taxi cab or bus, or some of the boat tours or charter fishing trips, then cash is likely to be needed. Grocery stores, restaurants and car rentals normally take credit cards. Visa and MC are widely accepted.

Who needs a visa to enter Bahamas?
U.S. Permanent Residents (Non-citizens) For visits exceeding 30 days: A valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are required for U.S. resident non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.
What documents do you need to go to The Bahamas?
Passport Requirements for the Bahamas If you're traveling to the Bahamas by sea (as in a cruise), you can use a passport or substitute one of the following documents: a passport card. a Trusted Traveler card. an enhanced driver's license (sometimes called Real ID) with security features.
Who does not need visa for Bahamas?
Who DOES NOT Need a Visa to Enter The Bahamas Designated CountriesAmerican Samoa.Andorra.Anguilla.Antigua and Barbuda.Argentina.Armenia.Aruba.Australia.More items...
Can a U.S. citizen travel to The Bahamas?
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel – Travel Advisory for The Bahamas due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. The CDC has issued for The Bahamas a Level 3 – High Level of COVID-19 Travel Health Notice.
How much is visa fee for Bahamas?
Vaccinated tourists from the U.S. will pay $40 per Health Visa, while vaccinated travelers from the rest of the world will pay $50 per. Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. will pay $60 per Health Visa, while unvaccinated travelers from the rest of the world will pay $70.
Can I apply for Bahamas visa online?
A self-sponsored visitor is a person who is able to support themselves financially while visiting The Bahamas. Sponsored visas are NOT available for online application. Please contact the Visa Office for non-online application. Official and Diplomatic Visas are NOT available for online application.
Where can I travel visa-free?
In May 2018, US citizens could travel to 186 visa free countries....Where Can Americans Travel Without a Visa?AlbaniaGermanyNamibiaAnguillaGreenlandNicaraguaAntigua and BarbudaGrenadaNorthern Mariana IslandsArgentinaGuamNorwayArmeniaGuatemalaPalau42 more rows
How many countries is Bahamas visa-free to?
As of 7 January 2020, Bahamian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 154 countries and territories, ranking the Bahamian passport 27th in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index.
How long can I stay in The Bahamas without a visa?
eight monthsAn American national may stay for a maximum period of eight months without a visa in The Bahamas. Should they wish to extend their stay, application must be made to the Immigration Department for an extension of stay. The applicant must contact the Immigration Dept.
Where can US citizens go without a passport?
You can travel without a passport in the following countries:Puerto Rico.US Virgin Islands.Northern Mariana Islands.American Samoa.Guam.Canada.Alaska.Mexico.
Is The Bahamas expensive?
Generally speaking, the Bahamas is one of the most expensive countries to live in in the world.
How do I get a visa for The Bahamas from the US?
No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to eight months. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must: Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page. Hold proof of onward and return flights.
Can I use my birth certificate to go to The Bahamas?
As of December 24, 2018, birth certificates are no longer accepted, regardless of age. All U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter The Bahamas & reenter the U.S.
What islands can I go to without a passport?
Best Tropical Destinations You Can Visit Without a PassportSt. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. ... St. John, US Virgin Islands. ... St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. ... San Juan, Puerto Rico. ... Culebra, Puerto Rico. ... Key West, Florida. ... Miami, Florida. ... Anna Maria Island, Florida.More items...•
Do you need a passport to go to The Bahamas by cruise?
If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
What kind of ID do you need to go on a cruise to The Bahamas?
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to the Bahamas? If you are cruising to the Bahamas from the U.S., the following documents are acceptable: passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver's license.
What are the requirements to get a Bahamas visa?
Requirements may also include a police report, flight itinerary, copies of previously held visas and foreign marriage and birth certificates. It is recommended that applicants contact the Bahamas Consulate Division before applying.
Which countries require a visa for the Bahamas?
Notable nations include Egypt, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Laos, the Philippines, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Taiwan, Ukraine, UAE and Vietnam.
How long does a Bahamas visa last?
If traveling via another country, that card must expire no less than six months after their last day in the Bahamas. A return ticket is also required. Citizens of Latin America are not required to carry a Bahamas visa is their stay is less than three months. They are required to have a return ticket and proof of lodging confirmation.
How long can a US citizen stay in Bahamas?
Permanent US residents who are not American citizens must apply for a visa to the Bahamas for stays longer than 30 days. Additionally, a valid national passport is required. A green card is required for visits less than 30 days; however, a visa is not.
How long do you have to carry a yellow fever certificate in the Bahamas?
Visitors who have transited through an airport in a nation with risk of yellow fever transmission for more than 12 hours must also carry a vaccination certificate valid for at least 10 days before entering the Bahamas. Be mindful of credit card fraud in the Bahamas.
How long does a Canadian passport last in the Bahamas?
If traveling via another country, that card must expire no less than six months after their last day in the Bahamas. A return ticket is also required.
Can you travel to the Bahamas with a passport?
Most travelers with a valid US or Canadian passport that contains multiple blank pages and is well within its expiration date should have no trouble clearing customs in the Bahamas. Likewise, visitors from Latin America should be presented with few issues at the border. Still, these guidelines will help you earn that coveted passport stamp in the Bahamas and avoid any potential obstacles at your port of entry.
Who needs a visa to enter the Bahamas?
Who Needs Visas to Enter The Bahamas Designated Countries. India –Indian Nationals who have visas for, or permanent resident status in, US, UK , Canada and Schengen countries do not require a visa to enter The Bahamas. Indian nationals who hold diplomatic or official passports do not require a visa to enter The Bahamas.
Which countries do not require a visa to enter the Bahamas?
Equatorial Guinea. Eritrea. Ethiopia. Gabon. Ghana. Guinea. Guina-Bissau. Haiti. India –Indian Nationals who have visas for, or permanent resident status in, US, UK , Canada and Schengen countries do not require a visa to enter The Bahamas.
Bahamas Travel Requirements
If you’re thinking of traveling to the Bahamas, there are a few things you need to know first. In this post, we’ll outline the basic travel requirements for getting into the country, as well as some other useful information for visitors. So whether you’re planning a vacation or just want to know more about traveling to the Bahamas, read on!
For vaccinated travelers
Fully vaccinated tourists coming to the Bahamas from other parts of the world will be required to show negative COVID-19 test reports. This can be either a Rapid Antigen test or RT-PCR, including RNA, NAAT, PCR, NAA, or TMA, taken not more than three days before arrival to the country.
For unvaccinated travelers
Effective 27th December 2021, unvaccinated tourists aged 12 and above need to obtain negative COVID-19 tests, taken not more than 72 hours or three days before their date of arrival.
Health Visa Application
All visitors coming to the Bahamas need to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa via travel.gov.bs.
What are the safety concerns in the Bahamas?
Find more information about common safety and security concerns in The Bahamas including credit card fraud , real estate scams, and water sport and scooter safety on our website.
Where is crime most common in the Bahamas?
Country Summary: The vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, exercise caution in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street). Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault occur, but generally not in tourist areas. Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists. As a result, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.
Does the Bahamas have child abduction laws?
The Bahamas requires compliance with regulations to divert child abduction similar to U.S. policies. Review those policies before traveling.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Bahamas?
Visit the Bahamas Immigration website for the most current visa information. U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend you obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires you to disembark and return by air. U.S. travelers coming for tourism will not need a visa for travel up to 90 days. All other travelers will need a visa and/or work permit.
Is there a level 4 travel health notice for the Bahamas?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the Bahamas due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in The Bahamas.
Is water tourism regulated in the Bahamas?
Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. U.S. citizens seeking to engage in adventure tourism-related activities, including boat tours, are strongly encouraged to confirm the following with any tour operator:
Is the Bahamas regulated for water tours?
Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists.
